The winners of the Happiness Films Award hosted by the Smovies were announced on Wednesday, December 12th 2018. The spectacular red-carpet event awarded the Top three filmmakers and the pool of Best 22 #happiness themed film submissions at the Vox Cinemas in Deira City Centre. The awards were held in collaboration with the National Program for Happiness and Wellbeing, the Ministry of Interior, Vox Cinemas and Brandmoxie.
A record-breaking number of 200 entries were received in under two months. Our filmmakers came from all walks of life and age-groups. The Top 22 shortlisted positive content creators were invited to attend the ceremony along with their family and friends.
Each of the Top 22 received a cash prize of AED 5000 and the Top 10 chosen films will be screened in Vox Cinemas around the UAE.
The final three were picked after an Interview round and live voting by the audience. “The Rhythm” by Danielle Arden was the winning film this year and she walked away with the grand-prize of AED 50,000. The second-place winner of AED 30,000 was “Happiness Through Leadership” by Mashael Al Abed, while “Homecoming” by Arkus, came in third with an AED 20,000 win. The three grand-prize winners will also have the opportunity to attend the Cannes Film Festival 2019.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with the UAE Ministry of Happiness this season; a platform such as the Smovies is enriched by valuable collaborations that reinforce the positive values of community inclusiveness, happiness and engagement. I wish the winners of the awards great success and look forward to seeing their future film productions,” said Sana Bagersh, Founder of the Smovies and CEO of BrandMoxie, a leading ad agency in the UAE.
The honouring ceremony was presided over by Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the UAE’S Minister of State for Happiness.
Stay tuned for the next season!
